Vietnam’s wood processing industry experienced a 65% rise in export earnings to US$300m during the first quarter.
The growth, compared to the same period a year ago, is attributed to rising global demand, especially from America and Japan.
The industry is targeting exports worth US$1.6bn in 2005, which would be a 40% increase from 2004. US business is expected to account for 34% of exports and Japan about 21%.
Export turnover reached US$1.05bn last year, an 86% rise from 2003.
American import tariffs have fallen by up to 60% during the past few years thanks to a bilateral agreement with Vietnam introduced in 2001.
